Original Bon Jovi bassist Alec John Such has died at the age of 70. The news was confirmed by Bon Jovi via their social media, who paid tribute to the musician.

The statement read: “We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Alec John Such. He was an original. As a founding member of Bon Jovi, Alec was integral to the formation of the band. To be honest, we found our way to each other thru him. He was a childhood friend of Tico [Torres] and brought Richie [Sambora] to see us perform. Alec was always wild and full of life. Today those special memories bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. We’ll miss him dearly.”  Details surrounding the cause of Such’s death were not provided.

Such officially exited the band in 1994; Hugh McDonald, who had previously performed with the band on “Runaway,” became the unofficial replacement before being confirmed as a full-time member in 2016. Such is credited on the band’s self-titled debut in 1984, as well as 7800° Fahrenheit in 1985, Slippery When Wet in 1986, New Jersey in 1988 and 1992’s Keep the Faith.  The bassist was with the band in 2018 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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